What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pathetic
Example
The homeless man's situation was truly pathetic. [pathetic: adjective]
Example
It was pathetic how poorly the team played in the championship game. [pathetic: adjective]
Example
His pathetic attempt at an apology only made things worse. [pathetic: noun]
heartbreaking
Example
The news of her father's passing was absolutely heartbreaking. [heartbreaking: adjective]
Example
The movie's ending was so heartbreaking that I couldn't stop crying. [heartbreaking: adjective]
Example
It was heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by the natural disaster. [heartbreaking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heartbreaking is less commonly used than pathetic in everyday language. Pathetic is a more versatile word and can be used in a wider range of contexts, while heartbreaking is more specific and is typically used to describe very emotional situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pathetic and heartbreaking?
Both pathetic and heartbreaking can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pathetic may be considered more informal due to its negative connotation and potential for expressing disdain or contempt.
